Chelsea managed to secure a point against their rivals after a spirited second-half performance. The Blues were aided by an own goal from Axel Tuanzebe and a stunning strike by Jadon Sancho. Manager Enzo Maresca shared his insights on the match and the team’s performance.
Enzo Maresca reflected on the game, acknowledging both the strengths and weaknesses displayed by his team.
Enzo Maresca said: “I think we started quite well, creating chances. The dynamic of the game, I think for 20-25 minutes until the first half, we were not good enough, especially defensively, because the two goals we conceded were from our mistake. Then in the second half, we just came back in the game. There was a lot of heads in hands, putting your head in your hands, with the chances that were going by at the end.”
Maresca addressed the implications of not securing all three points, especially in the context of their Champions League ambitions.
Enzo Maresca continued: “As I said at the beginning, it’s tough. Unfortunately, we missed chances, and then we conceded. I think the team was not good enough in different things. This is where we need to take one step forward and react in the right way.”
He also discussed the impact of the game’s atmosphere on the players’ performance, particularly after conceding goals.
Enzo Maresca explained: “No, I think we lost a little bit of confidence, because we conceded, probably because of the environment. This is the moment that you have to continue doing the right things and don’t change the plan. Also because we are a team that most of the time, our goal kick will start from playing short. The second goal, we decide to play long, because the environment is there, and we concede the second one. You have to be strong, you have to continue with the things that you are doing.”
Maresca emphasized the importance of the fans and the role they play in the team’s success.
Enzo Maresca noted: “And then in terms of fans, I said many times, we are stronger with our fans, we are a better team. It’s up to them to decide the way. For sure today, probably, with the 0-1, 0-2, it’s normal to be the way they were.”
Looking ahead, Maresca remained optimistic about the team’s prospects despite the challenging fixtures ahead.
Enzo Maresca added: “Yeah, at the end of the season, we’ll see. Hopefully not for us. But I think we are going, from now on, us, but the other six, seven clubs that are involved in the Champions League spot, I think we are going to win games, but at the same time we are going to drop points, because it’s normal.”
He also praised Jadon Sancho’s contribution and hinted at his future with the club.
Enzo Maresca concluded: “Yeah, no, he’s doing well. Today we decided to start with Pedro and Noni. Noni is back from injury, scored twice the other day. Pedro is doing well. And Jadon is playing almost every game. The idea was just to refresh a little bit with him, knowing that he’s going to give us a good moment, goal assist, and he’ll show himself in the second half.”
Chelsea will need to maintain their focus and resilience as they navigate the remainder of the season, with their sights set on securing a Champions League spot.
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